The CEO's Contractual Wife

Chapter 157

Olivia

Friday afternoon found us speeding along the Pacific Coast Highway, windows down and music playing. Alexander looked relaxed behind the wheel, one hand resting casually on the steering wheel, the other occasionally reaching over to squeeze my knee.

“So, are you going to tell me more about this Malibu house?” I asked, watching the ocean glitter alongside the highway.

“And ruin the surprise? Not a chance.” He grinned, sunglasses hiding his eyes. “Just trust me.”

“The last time you said ‘trust me,‘ I ended up zip–lining across a canyon in the island.”

“And wasn’t it exhilarating?”

“Terrifying is the word I’d use.”

Alexander’s phone buzzed with an incoming call. He glanced at the display before silencing it. “Work can wait until Monday.”

“Look at you, ignoring calls. Who are you and what have you done with my workaholic husband?”

“I’m evolving,” he said with mock seriousness. “Becoming a more balanced individual.”

“Uh–huh.” I wasn’t convinced. “Let’s see how long that lasts.”

“At least until Monday morning,” he promised. “This weekend is just for us.”

The Malibu house, as Alexander had modestly called it, turned out to be a stunning oceanfront villa perched on the cliffs above a private beach. Modern architecture blended seamlessly with the natural landscape, floor- to–ceiling windows capturing breathtaking views of the Pacific.

“This is incredible,” I breathed as we stepped into the expansive living room. The space opened onto an infinity pool that seemed to merge with the ocean beyond.

“Glad you approve,” Alexander said, looking pleased with himself. “Wait until you see the master suite.”

kidding. The bedroom featured a king–sized bed facing the ocean, with a private terrace and an outdoor shower concealed by natural rock formations. The bathroom boasted a deep soaking tub positioned

isn’t a house,” I said, running my hand along the smooth stone

Carter,” Alexander replied, wrapping

leaning back against his chest. “Besides

enjoy the pool, have dinner on the terrace, maybe take a moonlight swim…” His hands slid up to cup my breasts,

him. “But I think I’d

momentarily disappointed but quickly recovered. “Your wish is

swimwear and made our way down the private staircase to the beach below. The cove was completely secluded, protected by natural rock formations that blocked

this place?” I asked,

for the weekend,” Alexander said, watching a seagull soar overhead. “I made a few

with

has its advantages,” he said with a grin that was simultaneously infuriating and

water’s edge, feeling the

respond, laughing as I heard him shout behind me. Despite my head start, Alexander caught up quickly, his longer stride eating up the distance between

my laughter as

the woman who got a ten–second head start,” he countered,

a moment, catching our breath, the waves lapping at our ankles. Alexander’s eyes were bright with something I couldn’t quite name, happiness, maybe,

suddenly self–conscious under

how beautiful you look

gentle but quickly deepened, his hands sliding down to cup my bottom and pull me closer. I

murmured against my lips. “Before I’m tempted to take you right here on

agreed, stepping back reluctantly.

my hand as we started walking

“Hardly. Just common sense.”

spent the rest of the afternoon alternating between swimming in the infinity pool and lounging on the deck chairs with cocktails.

“Hungry?” Alexander asked, handing me a fresh towel as I emerged

I admitted, wrapping the towel

Dinner should be

you